May 23rd, 2007
With Nine Inch Nails being one of my favorite bands, and Trent Reznor being a pretty intelligent guy, I was really interested in what he has to say on the state of the music business. It is especially interesting to see how he would like to release an album:
“I’ve have one record left that I owe a major label, then I will never be seen in a situation like this again. If I could do what I want right now, I would put out my next album, you could download it from my site at as high a bit-rate as you want, pay $4 through PayPal. Come see the show and buy a T-shirt if you like it. I would put out a nicely packaged merchandise piece, if you want to own a physical thing. And it would come out the day that it’s done in the studio, not this “Let’s wait three months” bulls—.”
Categories: Music, Movies, etc, RIAA |
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May 20th, 2007
As you may notice, if you are one of our regular readers (I know there are two of you - you’ve admitted it), we have made some updates here - most obvious is the change in layout/theme and title, the less obvious is the upgrade to WordPress, which is the engine behind this site.
Hope you like it.
Categories: Uncategorized |
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May 19th, 2007
OK, it appears that it takes about two weeks of Joost membership before you share invites. But I am now in business and happy to share, for real this time. The folks who have asked based on the previous post should all have invites now.
As to Joost, I really think it is cool, but there is one thing - I don’t really want to watch video on my computer. I am a little weird, but I tend to read my RSS feeds, various sites and blog while watching video, and while I love my MacBook Pro - there isn’t enough screen space to watch video and handle my feeds at once. The AppleTV is killer, as I can watch my video podcasts and various other things while I’m getting through my feeds and/or blogging (right now I’m watching ‘Scrubs’ from iTunes, damn funny). The Joost content is killer, but I just don’t want to tie up my machine with full screen video - I multi-task, that’s just who I am.
Comments are open - how do others view Joost/video on the machine/AppleTV - what is the future of video on demand?
Categories: Science/Tech |
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May 16th, 2007
It has been just over a week now living with the AppleTV
. I couldn’t hold off any longer after reading AppleGazette’s 30 days of AppleTV series. I thought I’d say a little about my experiences to supplement AppleGazette’s.
First, it was about the easiest thing the world to set up. No real need to read directions. I sort of wish it came with either an HDMI or component video cable, considering the price, but then again, no one feels like they are paying for something they don’t need. But I bought the HDMI cable, and connect the CAT5 to the router and done. You can easily set the AppleTV to connect via wireless, but more on that later. Pairing it to My MacBook Pro was a breeze.
I hit one small snag, I’m still running a 802.11b wireless network (D-Link) which claims 22 Mbs, but in reality it is much closer to the 11 Mbs. While I only had 1 movie, about half dozen TV shows and a dozen video podcasts, I chose to many things to sync to start with. At such a slow rate from my ‘Book 24 hours of waiting and it seemed like nothing had happened. I was able to stream video for a bit (which pauses the syncing), but I hoped that overnight the sync (about 10 GB overall) would be done. Not so. I stopped the sync (just play any fully downloaded or streaming video on the AppleTV), plugged CAT5 in to my ‘Book, stopped the AppleTV and in a few seconds iTunes was syncing again - took only about 90 minutes. another 3 GB of music took 15 - 20 minutes and I was ready to go.
Since then, I have downloaded 3 seasons of TV shows, a handful of free and paid episodes from iTunes and a fair number of video podcasts. If it is one or two episodes of TV/video podcast, the wireless sync at 802.11b speeds is OK (if you’re not in a hurry), with larger volumes I switch to CAT5. This is a pain, and I will be looking to switch to 802.11n soon, which I think will be fast enough to tolerate all but the largest data syncs. This will also coincide with the point where the video I have exceeds the rather small storage space available on the AppleTV. This will take a little while for me, but for many people it would be immediate.
What I dislike:
- Slow speed of my wireless network
- Double download - the need to download from iTunes and sync to AppleTV
- Cost of downloads - with movies at about the price of DVDs and TV shows just slightly cheaper than DVD versions, there is the temptation to buy the DVD version and rip for AppleTV. Just a little cheaper would do it.
- Inconsistent content - the quality of content is a bit inconsistent with iTunes purchased content, and very inconsistent with video podcast content - and there is little indication (not Apple’s fault)
- At times, the audio and video get a bit out of sync. It is tolerable, but annoying, and happens with purchased contend, which is really irritating.
What I love:
- Intuitive interface - it doesn’t get easier, I love the simple audio feedback as one navigates, and you don’t have to think about it
- The music - I liked AirTunes, but there were too many gaps in playback from interference (I assume) - non-issue with music synced to AppleTV. Streaming content seems a bit more robust too.
- Plethora of content - iTunes has a good amount, not everything I’m interested in, but enough to keep my attention, and I’m happy to pay for it. Joost is interesting, but I just don’t want to watch stuff on my laptop - I’m using my laptop when I’m watching TV. (NewsRadio, Invader Zim, Southpark, Scrubs)
- On Demand factor - I find it really killer that I can spend money so easily. OK, that’s not really it, but say G is in the mood for a certain movie, but we don’t want to go to the video store. Combine the movie rental fee, with the gas and hassle of going to video store - makes the iTunes store price seem OK. Making a choice, 60 - 90 minutes to get from iTunes store to AppleTV and we’re watching. A little longer than running to the video store, but not much - and you can have dinner while it’s happening.
- Cool Factor - everyone who sees it, and sees it in action think the thing is really cool.
- Hackable - I haven’t done much yet, but there are all sorts of cool things out there. I’m going to be messing with them, and posting the most usable things here. First up - external storage via the AppleTV USB ’service port’ (that’s what she said! (AppleTV is apparently a girl (no offense (this is very LISP))))
So, all in all, AppleTV probably isn’t for everyone - early adopter types and people who don’t care too much about money. Many others have pointed out other shortcomings (no DVR for example), which I view as features that just aren’t included rather than shortcomings - this isn’t a TiVo, it is something completely different. But, for many people, this is really cool - I have a bunch of video, downloaded legally by the way, that I would really like to watch on the big screen - import to iTunes, sync and go - very nice.
Categories: Music, Movies, etc, Science/Tech |
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May 14th, 2007
Found this NY Times article on the mathematics behind an interesting puzzle. While light on the math, it’s always interesting to see math in popular media. This particular puzzle focuses on coding theory - though I think you could get to at least the n < 5 cases easily via game theory. A relatively simple proposition that has broad reaching mathematical consequences/challenges.
Categories: Uncategorized |
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May 12th, 2007
I was watching the latest episode of Diggnation and I laughed so hard when the guys were talking about cars and Kevin Rose said “apologies to the BMW fans, but BMW are such stupid douche cars” which came out as very funny to me, though I completely disagree.
But, it reminded me of the joke someone told me shortly after I got my 2nd BMW:
Q: What’s the difference between a BMW and a porcupine?
A: With BMW, the pricks are on the inside.
Not all BMW drivers terrible - I know 3 personally that are very nice.
Categories: Uncategorized |
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May 11th, 2007
The recent phenomenon of carbon offsets is hip nowadays and makes people feel so good about themselves that most of us don’t question if the practice in fact brings any benefit to the planet.
First off, does purchasing any kind of carbon offsets justify an otherwise irresponsible lifestyle? If I can afford to pay up, do my driving the Hummer around and weekends in London become ok? If yes, can I interest you in some adultery credits via this cheating offset website? Feel good about your mistress as some other married guy stays loyal to his wife on your behalf!
Secondly, due to the high profit potential and general public’s lack of understanding of how the carbon offsets work, a lot of abuse is going on. While I am generally supportive of market-driven economy as opposed to government involvement, in this particular case I’m for more regulation and control as common folk and Hollywood celebrities alike eagerly give their money away for nothing other than the feel-good effect. Even everyone’s favorite TerraPass is involved in some shady business.
Furthermore, even the companies with best intentions can’t always claim that their efforts are effective. Something as simple as planting a tree doesn’t really help the climate unless that tree is planted in the tropics (of course, there are other benefits such as water runoff control and support for species dependent on the forests but it has only indirect impact on CO2).
Finally, the economist in me questions how adding more wind and solar electricity to the grid would reduce overall carbon dioxide emissions. The only way it would be helpful if for every new wind-powered plant, a coal-burner is closed which is not the case. Otherwise, extra available electricity increases the quantity supplied which should lead to lower prices and increased energy consumption across the board– not something that green hipsters are going for. The counter-argument here is that the capital investment is needed today to make the clean energy available thus making more radical measures such as coal plant closures viable in the future (somehow I don’t see the market going for that until we run out of coal.)
Where does it leave us? First off, try to produce less CO2 (the good ol’ “Drive/Fly Less” concept– easier said than done.) Then, calculate your footprint and try to offset as much of it as you can afford but choose your projects wisely. I like methane reduction projects on dairy farms — methane is 10 to 23 times more harmful to the atmosphere than CO2 and cattle produces it in gigantic amounts.
After calculating my own carbon footprint, I was horrified to know that my meager electricity consumption and driving less than 500 miles a month are dwarfed by the amount I fly. Just one flight to Europe a year makes me an above-average CO2 emitter! I cannot claim any kind of moral high ground with that on my bill, so our trip to Croatia will be fully offset with proven-effective carbon credits. It still feels like buying forgiveness for my eco-sins but it’s better than nothing (and the money is not going to the church.)
Categories: Uncategorized |
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May 10th, 2007
It’s a Thursday and you’re in need of some random links!
First, has it ever bother you that the keypad on the calculator is different from the one on the phone? The bounty of internet offers several explanations (here and here.)
Second, here’s some further proof of some serious head illness in the recording industry– fingerprint collection and 30 day waiting period?!?!? One would think you’re buying a handgun– nope, just trying to sell some used CDs. This alone makes me want to go and pirate some stuff.
Categories: RIAA, Random/Funny |
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May 8th, 2007
Mother Russia and I have just returned from a fabulous weekend in New York: great museums, great food, awesome weather, everything was in our favor. Except for one thing.
My dad insisted on us going on the top of the Empire State Building– a classic NY tourist experience. I thought to myself, why not? It’s a well-established attraction, there must be something about it. Right? Wrong! Lemmie paint you a picture.
The tower itself is not far away from Times Square, so we walk to it. No line is visible on the outside of the building; we take it as a good sign and come in. A nifty poster by the door says: “25 to 45 minutes to the top from here.” So far, so good. Immediately on the inside, we’re attacked by people with flyers offering to buy “Sky Ride” tickets (at an extra cost of course) that are sure to enhance our experience. Then, we get in the first of many roped off lines to get to the security check point– similar to the ones in the airport except they here they don’t probe you as deeply and thoroughly. Takes us about 10 minutes. Ok. Then, next set of lines, this time longer, to get the tickets. All along, we’re being told by helpful employees about the available audio tour (for extra fee), an additional observation deck on 102nd floor (extra $15) and an express pass to the top with no waiting in line at all ($45.) I am starting to get suspicious. We finally get to the cashier window and purchase our tickets to fun at $18 each. Time count: about 30 minutes. This’d better be worth it.
Suddenly, as we’re getting the first glimpse of the mother lode line to get onto the elevators, a stream of pre-teenagers wearing bright orange shirts flows in and somehow we get surrounded by a middle school marching band out on a field trip. The kids are from the Bible belt and have never seen a big city before. A few shaperones look exhausted and unable or unwilling to control the little rays of sunshine. Little did I know that I would spend the next 90 minutes of my life close and personal with “Oh my god, look at all these tall buildings!” crowd. As we are s-l-o-w-l-y approach the elevators, mom notices a restroom and makes a dash for it. I hold the line and hope that she’s back before the elevator arrives. We’re in luck– only 45 minutes invested and we’re finally in the elevator. Should I mention that the school boys were yelling out the floor numbers as they were flashing on the screen while the girls were emitting loud piercing noises because their ears were popping? Oh yeah! Now, you think we’re to the end of the adventure? Not so fast! The elevator spit us out (and not a second too soon) onto the un-ventilated dusty 80th floor that was being renovated “to enhance my experience.” Experience my ass! Still roped off, we were guided through the mandatory picture taking (taking the photo is free! Purchasing the stupid picture is 23 bucks!), then through the sellers of audio guides and finally, back into the elevator line we go! As we wait, a worn-out 50-something charmer and his fake boob companion flash proudly by us with their $45 passes that make him feel like a real man. Oh baby! Spending $90 to ride the elevators will not get you laid! At this point, we’re about 90 minutes in and I officially lose my cool (was really trying to smile for mom so far. I am relived to find out that she’s hating it too)– must be the dust and piss in the air that pushed me over the edge. Another glorious 10 minutes and we’re on the next elevator up, the one that is finally let us out on the 86th floor crowded observation deck. Here comes the good part that could almost redeem the experience– the weather was clear and the visibility excellent. We took a few standard photo shots and then it was time to go back. Total time on the deck: 12 minutes. Guess what we had to do to get back down? That’s right kids– more goddamn lines! First for the elevator to the 80th floor where the overpriced photos were already developed and placed along our little roped off line. Then, to the ground level lobby. What’s another 20 minutes on the grand scale of things?
Hold on. We’re not done yet. Remember that bathroom by the first set of elevators? Turns out that was my only choice to restore the body’s hydro-balance (peeing off the top did not seem too polite.) The nice lady at the exit suggested going back through the security line if I wanted to use the facility! You’re friggin’ kiddin’ me? 18 bucks to ride a couple of elevators and they cannot warn me that I only had one shot at the crapper? Furious and quite tired by now, we set onto the noble task of finding a public restroom in midtown Manhattan. Thanks to our investigative skills, the glorious porcelain was located on the second floor of Macy’s over by men’s department (frequent pee’ers take note! Another NY peeing tip for you: M&M store in Times Square has a restroom on the 3rd floor. I bet you didn’t know it either! Next time this knowledge saves from a ruptured bladder, you need to send me an SMS thank you note.)
Ok, I am done fuming now. You can have the soap box back.
Categories: Uncategorized |
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